Below is a resource from 7/20/17
Is Door to Door Evangelism Still Effective?
One of the most awkward and intimidating things for many Christ followers is the thought of door to door evangelism. Some see it as too "in your face" and, in an effort to not be like the cults, prefer a more relational approach. Gospel movements like Evangelism Explosion, visitations, even "F.A.I.T.H" evangelism training all played a major role in church growth over the years, but many churches have punted this model in favor of more organic strategies. Many even argue that door to door is no longer effective and may hinder gospel witness. The only problem with that is many of those churches who have punted the door to door option, never replaced that method with anything else. I guess the old saying applies here, that the best method is the method you actually use.
I have found Door to Door or "walk up" evangelism to still be effective for a couple of reasons. One, is the obvious. There is no substitute for actually fishing for men and sharing the gospel. I prefer the relational approach myself, but if our relationships never actually get to the gospel, it's just a relationship, not mission. Sometimes we can hide behind the idea of relational evangelism to cover our fear of actually talking about the good news. The other reason is training people we are discipling. Again, since door to door is so awkward and so intimidating, it forces people out of their comfort zone to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. It gives people practice sharing the tools we have given them and grows their faith as they experience God giving them the words they should say in the moment. (Matt. 10:19-20) In fact, it's been my experience that the awkwardness of door to door has made me more effective in relational encounters. A lot of times your group members get more out of it than the people you are sharing with. Here are a few ideas for taking advantage of the Door to Door method of Evangelism to train your D-Group members.
- Pray asking God to appoint some encounters with people to share with. It may help to pray together for boldness. After all, someone could get saved and come to church through this "training."
- Take 4 weeks off from meeting in your D-Group, use that time to knock on doors in your neighborhood. Begin with "Hi, I'm ____, and we are with Highview Baptist, just in the area asking people spiritual questions. Do you have a few minutes to talk?" If yes, proceed with questions like, "Do you have a faith background?" "Who is Jesus to you?" "What are your thoughts on Christianity and eternal life?" Then ask them if they mind you sharing what you believe the Bible to teach.
- Go to a mall, park, or outside an apartment complex where people are walking around and do the same approach.
- Create an actual survey sheet with 5 questions that lead to the gospel. A good 5th question is, "What % sure are you that if you died you would spend eternity in heaven?" Based on their answer, you can give a defense for the hope that is in you."
- Take with you a sermon series card, or some type of material to invite them to Highview, after your conversation.
I prefer the relational approach myself, but if our relationships never actually get to the gospel, it's just a relationship, not mission. Sometimes we can hide behind the idea of relational evangelism to cover our fear of actually talking about the good news.
Grace and Peace, Scott Long